36 New Jersey Avenue (aka 102 Mt. Tabor Way.). Nov. 20, 2016
36 New Jersey Avenue by night. Ocean Grove. Blogfinger photo ©
Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger
Residents who live near 36 New Jersey Avenue (aka 102 Mt. Tabor Ave) received a certified letter from a local law firm announcing that the owner of the property wants to totally demolish the premises. The matter will be discussed at a public hearing of the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) of Neptune Township on Tuesday, Nov. 29, at 7:00 pm in the Committee Meeting Room in the Neptune Township Municipal Complex.
We live near there and we were surprised by this because that corner property always seemed special in that setting, even though the structure was basically pretty ordinary. The owners had maintained lovely gardens, and it seemed so perfect and inviting for two people. We would walk by and admire the simplicity of the property with its large side yard.
The property enhances the flavor of that neighborhood by its spare clean lines and its airy openness at that corner. It seems to be an integral part of the streetscape there and it goes to the zoning goal of space, light and air in our neighborhoods.
The home is diagonally across from Firemen’s Park, at the corner with Mt. Tabor Way. That area, with its windy streets, seems like a New England village. We once chose the house for our Ocean Grove Jewel contest.
The building was built in 1925. The property is only 495 square feet yet it evidently has 3 bedrooms according to Internet listings. That would seem to define coziness. It sold for $115,000 in 2001, but it is now estimated by Zillow to be worth $330,000.
The letter offers no reason for the demolition petition.
If it is replaced by a bigger house, it would change the look of the neighborhood. A neighbor tells us that there used to be another house on the property, but no information on that is available.
So what will happen at the HPC hearing? The applicant will have to show that this demolition is appropriate under the provisions of Neptune Ordinance #07-46. That ordinance was established to “preserve the historic character of Ocean Grove and the designation of Ocean Grove as a National Historic District.”
The applicant may bring experts to testify that this building has no historic significance. We saw that in action when the Whitfield demo hearing was held Maybe the applicant will claim that the building is structurally unsound.
This building would be characterized not as a “key historic structure” built between 1869 through 1910, but rather as a “contributing structure” (1910-1941.) Such contributing structures may be demolished, unless the demo would be “detrimental to the historic designation.”
The applicant must explain the “rationale or reasoning” for requesting total demolition. Clearly, this building seems to have no historic significance, but the ordinance also considers “the impact of the demolition on the Historic District compared with the existing condition of the property.”
It also discusses “the effect the demolition would have upon the public’s interest in architectural, historic and aesthetic matters including the maintenance of an existing streetscape….that the structure may be associated with.”
It seems that there are loopholes that could be applied in either direction. The applicant will presumably be represented by a lawyer, and the historic and public interest by the HPC.
This hearing should be interesting, and if the public goes to it, we could all learn about how historic preservation works in Ocean Grove. It would also send a message that we Grovers do care about the process, even if this building may very well be demolished after all is said and done.
JOHNNY MATHIS
Gloria, if what you say is true, then you were denied your Consitutional right to develop your property pursuant to the zoning ordinance.
The HPC has no authority over zoning.
We modified our non-conforming 60’s ranch to look more period. Several designs were run by HPC over a long grueling two year process (so much for the realtor that said, “Oh if you buy a non-Victorian and propose to make it look period, you will be embraced by the HPC!”).
Anyway, we were told we could not go 2 1/2 stories as we were next to 2 cottages and it would look out of place.
Low and behold 5 years go by, and the house that is being built on the other side of the cottages is a McMansion—— 2 1/2 stories (like 39 feet at its peak).
So where was the HPC rule about overshadowing cottages?
That’s too bad, the house is cute. Although it’s made of what looks like concrete? My husband and I always notice it on our walks back from Asbury.
The cheapest house in Ocean Grove is $299,000, with one of the worst views-the Broadway traffic light/Rite Aid. So I’m not surprised about the price. I hope they put something small in its place.
It is so sad what is happening here. Buildings are being demolished and replaced with structures that block light and stretch the limits of the properties. It is why I would rather live next to a bank-owned abandoned property than be faced with new OG McMansion for rent by owner.
I have always admired that place when I have walked by. Great outdoor space!! But it isn’t Victorian by any standard, so I doubt if the HPC will try to stop them. I would hope that they would be limited to a size that is in keeping with the majority of houses in that area (Mostly modest size 2 story homes). I do not like this latest fad of building 3 story homes that has been happening for the last couple of years. Amazing that someone would pay $300k for a lot that doesn’t have a ocean view, but maybe AP is the draw?